Development and Validation of the Self-efficacy Questionnaire in multiple sclerosis patients

Self-efficacy is one of the factors affecting on the quality of life and adjustment to the chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Self-efficacy is the individual's belief that they have the ability to overcome challenges presented to them. The current study aimed to develop and validate of selfefficacy questionnaire in Iranian MS patients.

This is a methodological study that was performed in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of self-efficacy was defined through qualitative content analysis approach. In the second phase, early items of questionnaire was generated according to findings of the first phase. In the final phase, validation of the developed questionnaire were evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability.

In exploratory factor analysis, four subscales including: adherence to medication regimens (5 items), social performance control (4 items), symptom management (4 items) and maintain independence and activity (5 items) were extracted by Eigen value above one and factor load above 0.3. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.91 and 0.88 respectively that indicated acceptable reliability.

The 18-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of self-efficacy of Iranian MS patients.